fundraiser ideas

get active

Free-throw contest: Invite classmates, teachers and fans to pay an entry fee to go up against the basketball stars in a free-throw or three-pointer contest.

Youth sports clinic: College or high school athletes can host a youth instructional clinic for young athletes in the area. Charge a registration fee to donate.

Ball games: Round up your friends and encourage them to make teams for a baseball, Wiffle ball, or kick ball tournament. Charge a registration fee for each player or for a team.

Fitness class: Host a spin, Zumba, yoga or boot camp class at a local studio. Charge a participant fee and ask the instructor to donate their time to teach the class.

Road race or bike: Host a 5K or bike ride in your home town. Charge a registration fee and donate the proceeds.

Golf tournament: Host a tournament and charge a fee for participating foursomes. Reach out to businesses and invite them to be your corporate sponsors.

Team events: Form a rock climbing, fitness, weight loss, or rowing team to train together and fundraise for Boston Children's. It's easier together!

Dance Marathon: Rally classmates and an advisor/teacher to host an unforgettable, multi-hour "party with a purpose" filled with dancing, music, games, and more. For more: bostonchildrens.org/DanceMarathon

celebrate

Party with purpose: Already hosting a holiday, birthday, or Super Bowl party? Make it charitable! Ask guests to make a donation in lieu of gifts or favors.

Special occasions: Wedding, anniversary, graduation, bar/bat mitvah, communion—whatever the occasion make it even more special by asking guests to donate in lieu of gifts. Or, honor your guests by donating in their name.

be creative

Read-a-thon: Ask family and friends to donate for every book you read over the week or month.

Car wash: Host a car wash in the school parking lot and charge a small amount as donation.

Penny wars: Place a canister in every classroom and challenge each grade or class to collect the most change.

Art show: Ask students to create a piece of art to "sell" at an art show.

Yard sale: Ask the community to donate items for a yard sale at your school.

Lemonade stand: Tried and true! Host a stand in your neighborhood or at a school sports game.

Talent show: Show off student—and even staff and parent—talent! Charge at the door and sell tickets in advance.

Pancake breakfast: Host breakfast in the school cafeteria for a small donation. Ask the principal and teachers to serve.

Concert or school play: Is your school band, orchestra or choir putting on a performance? Charge a small admission fee or ask for donations from the audience during intermission.

Student vs. faculty: Organize a special game where the student-athletes go up against the school administration and teachers! Charge admission and donate those funds.

Extra Life: Unite with thousands of players around the world in a 24-hour gaming marathon. Play from your home or online—on any day you choose. Any kind of game qualifies! For more: bostonchildrens.org/extralife

Clash for charity: Take advantage of an important game against your rival: see which team can fundraise more in the week leading up to the big game.

Snack stand: Host a snack or coffee stand during finals week.

Win-win: Invite a local business to be your sports teams' official sponsor for the season. Have them pledge a set donation for every win this season.

Paint night: Jump on the latest craze and organize a paint night with friends! Many studios will partner with you and donate a portion of the class fee.

Ice cream social: Give everyone an excuse to take a break and indulge during the summer months. Donate the net profits.

Company picnic or BBQ: Celebrate by throwing a company BBQ, picnic or potluck. Invite colleagues to make a small donation in order to participate. Come together to enjoy a fun afternoon all while giving back!

Dress down day: Get human resources' approval to set a day for staff to dress casual for a donation.